Epping Forest Epics

gtrider · Joined: 10 Dec 2006 Posts: 2

Hi guys, this is my first post, so I'm interested to know what you think about the different groups riding in the forest. Any groups more suited to beginners, women? What's the best way to find out which group works best for you?

hamster · Joined: 10 Apr 2006 Posts: 73 Location: waltham abbey

hi gtrider - welcome to the forum

as far as i'm aware are aren't THAT many organised groups riding in the forest - and certainly not many with websites and fora etc. most are just groups of mates getting out and riding.

the epics will be a very welcoming group for newbies/women etc and have the advantage of having set times for rides, with normally 2 at the weekend

the hardcru (honestly it's a tongue-in-cheek name) are similar but set out from the other end of EF, and don't have the same set times so would always be a case of checking the VERY active forum for start times etc.

one to avoid IMO for a beginner would be the EFMBC who meet at 9.30 up at HB. they pride themselves on a heads down, ride fast approach and many people i have spoken to have struggled to keep up or to feel welcome. great if you have the fitness of course so you can't knock that.

hope this helps a little Very Happy

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that humerus still ain't humorous

gtrider · Joined: 10 Dec 2006 Posts: 2

Thanks Hamster, I've taken a look at the Hard Cru website. Are there any women in the group? It seems quite male orientated (especially from some of the recent discussions).

hamster · Joined: 10 Apr 2006 Posts: 73 Location: waltham abbey

occasionally wives and partners have been out (and there has been one family fun day) but in general not many women so far. there has been some banter online for sure - so maybe the calming, dignified presence of a woman in the pack would get rid of some of the bravado!! Razz

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that humerus still ain't humorous

Arbee · Joined: 17 Aug 2006 Posts: 8 Location: Harlow

I can offer some insight into the Epics, not so much from a female angle but from a podgy, very unfit angle.

I've been out twice, around August/Sept last year and found everyone to be very friendly, welcoming and offering helpful advice (such as buying a helmet as I'd forgotten mine and then me hitting my head on a branch during the ride).

My big problem was my fitness. It became obvious very quickly that I was out of my depth, performance wise, and although people were prepared to wait for me, I wasn't happy about holding everyone up and ruining their fun. Equally I couldn't go on my own as I didn't know where to go.

Luckily for me Mike took me under his wing the first time and gave me a personal guided tour and another chap (Simon I think but apologies if I'm wrong) the second time. I said they were friendly. I still felt guilty and decided to not go again until I could give a reasonable account of myself and not ruin others enjoyment.

Unfortunately injuries, christmas and Pizza Hut have conspired to block my fitness plan and I am still not at a decent level. I'm a bit concerned that this situation is similar to footballers not being able to get match fit except by playing matches. I won't get fit for the rides unless I do the rides so I'm in a catch 22 situation.

I often wonder whether there are others like me, reading the forums wishing they could join in but who know they will not keep up. Or maybe some ladies who would go only if there were other ladies. Or maybe even men who would only go if there were ladies!

If there were enough people at that level then perhaps the group would grow considerably rather than beginners joining in once or twice and not coming back.

Richard.

Cazza · Joined: 10 Jan 2006 Posts: 68

Hi there GTRider

I feel obliged to step in, being a woman and having ridden with Epics for about two/three years now (injuries permitting). I have always found the Epics riders very helpful, welcoming and full of good advice over the time that I've ridden. Mike is always willing to take slower/less experienced riders on the same route, just a bit slower. I have been at various levels of performance - sometimes able to keep up with the faster group, and when injury-recovering, with the slowers people. I have never felt like I've been slowing people up, but then I'm very thick skinned.
Give it a go. there aren't many women out there and we sometimes splinter off and have a women-only ride if there's enough of us.
I should be out and about in March, as rehab on foot is going well.

Caz